Research on the causes and treatment of heart disease. Covers light exposure and heart health, sex differences, heart-in-a-dish models, and cardiac risk.
Mayo Clinic researchers found gene mutations that disrupt stress signaling in the heart, making it vulnerable to damage. The study, published in Nature Genetics, may lead to new treatments for heart failure.
Researchers will examine inflammatory process in obese patients to understand how it contributes to cardiovascular disease. High levels of free fatty acids in the blood stream may trigger inflammation, which increases risk of atherosclerotic disease in obese patients with diabetes.
A recent study found that folic acid fortification was associated with a significant decline in stroke-related mortality rates. The researchers estimated that 31,000 stroke-associated deaths and 17,000 deaths related to ischemic heart disease may have been prevented each year since fortification was implemented.
Research highlights the link between clinical depression and primary cardiac arrest, as well as low awareness of stroke risk among women in ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, studies reveal the role of adiponectin in regulating cholesterol levels and the importance of targeted educational programs to improve public health.
Researchers found that adiponectin may be a key player in determining true risk of heart disease in obese children. The study showed lower adiponectin levels in obese children, who also had higher inflammation markers and cholesterol levels, indicating a potential 'footprint' for heart disease.
A new study found that only 4% of women with coronary heart disease met all four lifestyle goals, including non-smoking status and exercise. Researchers say the findings underscore the need for more effective interventions to improve compliance among high-risk women.
Researchers found improved heart function in some patients treated with stem cells and G-CSF after a heart attack. However, the treatment also led to an unexpected high rate of complications, prompting further investigation before its use in humans.
Vascular spasm is an under-recognized source of damage to heart muscle, leading to reduced function and increased risk of death. The study found that correcting genetic defects in heart muscle cells can halt focal degeneration and prevent vascular spasm.
A study analyzing pooled results of several studies found that dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, or grains may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. The research showed a significant decrease in coronary heart disease risk for cereal and fruit fiber intake.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has issued new recommendations for screening asymptomatic people for heart disease. However, evidence is insufficient to recommend EKG, treadmill tests, and CT scans for these groups. Additionally, hospice care may increase overall Medicare costs, but provide savings in certain cases with aggressiv...
A court-ordered settlement has provided funding to New Jersey's Women's Heart Foundation, enabling the implementation of statewide programs targeting women at risk for heart disease. The foundation aims to introduce new care interventions and professional nursing courses that cater to the specific needs of women.
A study of 93,676 healthy older women found that depressive symptoms are significantly related to cardiovascular disease risk and increased mortality rates. Women with depression were more likely to develop hypertension, have a history of stroke or angina, die from cardiovascular disease, and experience all-cause mortality.
A recent study found that high-dose vitamin therapy had no effect on preventing recurrent strokes and heart attacks. The VISP study involved 3,680 adults who received either a low or high dose of folic acid, B6, and B12 vitamins.
A randomized trial found that high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 did not lower the risk of recurrent stroke. However, moderate reduction in blood amino acid levels was associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and death.
Researchers found that mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis produced human C-reactive protein and developed larger lesions with fatty plaque buildup. This discovery supports the use of C-reactive protein as a heart disease risk marker and identifies its role in atherosclerosis development.
A blood test may reveal systemic factors that relate to periodontal disease, especially in men. The study found a significant relationship between CRP and periodontal diseases in women, but not in men. Males were reported to have more serious symptoms of periodontal diseases than females of the same age group.
A study published in NEJM finds a link between a specific gene variant and increased risk of atherosclerosis. Researchers discovered that individuals carrying the ALOX5 gene variant are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease when consuming n-6 polyunsaturated fats, but can reduce their risk by eating n-3 fatty acids.
A recent study found that air pollution significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular deaths, with a 45% mortality rate attributed to heart disease, compared to 8.2% for respiratory diseases. The researchers propose that inflammation and nervous system changes may be key mechanisms behind this association.
A large observational study found that improving fitness in healthy young adults can significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and protect heart health, even after age-related changes.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that fitness in young adulthood can significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Improving fitness levels by 50% or more can decrease these risks by as much as 50%.
A new analysis has found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a 31% increase in the risk of dying from ischemic heart disease. The risk is comparable to that of being a former smoker, according to researchers at NYU Langone Health.
A new study has identified a link between the size of apolipoprotein(a), a protein component of low-density lipoprotein, and an increased risk of heart disease in overweight individuals. The research suggests that analyzing apolipoprotein(a) size may provide a reliable way to discriminate between those at high risk and those without.
Researchers will monitor elderly individuals with existing heart disease to see how daily air pollution levels impact their ailments. The study aims to find an association between ultrafine particles and the severity of heart disease, which could lead to better air pollution regulations and improved medical treatment.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a non-cholesterol related gene linked to the development of heart disease in mice. The A20 gene regulates the NFkB pathway, which was previously thought to contribute to heart disease, but may actually play an anti-atherosclerotic role.
Tissue-engineered pulmonary valves, engineered from patients' own cells, showed excellent performance in first 23 patients with up to three years of follow-up. The valves eliminated post-operative fever and shortened recovery time compared to traditional donor valves.
A new pathway has been discovered at Stanford that provides insight into heart disease, with apelin-APJ signaling potentially holding key to treatment for heart failure. The study used microarrays to scan thousands of genes and found a previously unnoticed connection between apelin and APJ receptors.
A study examining factors that influence successful aging found a link between social isolation and increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers in men's blood. The study suggests that social relationships may influence health through biological processes, with implications for heart disease risk.
A recent study found that one in eight North Carolina schoolchildren have three or more heart risks, including low HDL levels and obesity. The researchers attribute this to the prevalence of overweight children among girls, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers detected 'atheronals', toxic compounds triggered by ozone in atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker for late-stage arterial inflammation. Ozone's role in human biology and its implications on diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are also explored.
A study of 9,790 participants found that exercising more and eating a balanced diet reduced cardiovascular mortality rates by over half. Those who were overweight or obese but exercised less faced increased cardiovascular risks, even if they ate fewer calories.
Researchers found that unusual fatigue was the most common early symptom reported by women before their heart attacks, with 70% of cases. The study's lead author emphasizes the importance of educating women about new symptoms and seeking medical care to determine their cause, especially those with known cardiovascular risks.
A study found that nearly a quarter of families with deceased individuals had inherited heart disease, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death among relatives. The researchers suggest screening 12-lead ECGs for first-degree relatives of those who died suddenly and unexpectedly.
A Canadian study compared outcomes for patients with elevated cardiac markers who received a home health nurse-delivered disease management program versus those without. The results showed significant reductions in hospitalization days for congestive heart failure and angina. A commentary highlighted the need for a national program to ...
Researchers discover PPAR-delta pathway that curbs atherosclerosis development and reduces heart disease by half. The pathway could be used to develop drugs to treat heart disease, currently the number one killer of Americans.
A study of 27 women aged 35-44 found that 50% of their deaths were due to undetermined causes, a stark contrast to men of the same age group. Researchers are now focusing on novel, unorthodox causes for these unexpected deaths.
A large study of nearly 44,000 healthy men found no association between dietary fat intake and stroke risk. The research suggests that saturated fat intake may actually be beneficial in reducing atherosclerosis, contrary to previous findings.
A study by the World Health Organization found that officially reported global vaccination coverage rates are higher than actual rates, highlighting issues with data quality. The investigation compared national data with a 'gold standard' household survey method in 45 countries between 1990 and 2000.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who performed below average in peak exercise capacity and recovery rate were more likely to die from heart disease. Regular exercise was shown to combat risk factors, with moderate physical activity improving exercise capacity by 15-30%.
A study by Stephanie A. Roberts and colleagues found that lesbians have a significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio than their sisters, which may trigger more heart disease. The researchers recommend focusing on reducing weight around the middle of the body to decrease cardiovascular risk.
The Lancet presents six randomized controlled trials of heart disease drug interventions, highlighting potential benefits for patients in poor countries. The World Trade Organization's decision to allow poor nations to import low-cost generic drugs is seen as a game-changer for effective treatment accessibility worldwide.
A study of 2,343 men and women found that infrequent heavy drinkers had more abdominal fat than regular consumers. Moderate drinking was associated with smaller waist sizes, while binge drinking led to higher abdominal measurements.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a nearly $5 million grant to the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The project aims to develop tissue-engineered treatments that can help patients with heart failure regenerate their own components and repair damaged heart muscle.
A study by Frits Rosendaal and colleagues found that haemophilia carriers have a significantly lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, with a 36% decrease in overall mortality. This reduction in blood clotting may offer protection against heart attacks and has implications for future prevention strategies.
The study estimates that elimination of major risk factors would reduce disease burden by over 90% for diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, and ischaemic heart disease. Global healthy life expectancy would increase by over nine years, with the largest gains in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new UCLA study suggests that coronary heart disease may be accelerated in younger HIV-infected people. The research found that the rate of coronary heart disease in young HIV-positive men and women was significantly higher than in their HIV-negative counterparts.
Researchers studied carotid artery thickness in 1,662 men and women with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that those with at least one parent who had a heart attack before age 60 had thicker artery walls, associated with increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
The McGill University Health Centre has received significant funding for health research, with approximately thirty-five percent of grant applications awarded. Researchers such as Dr. Sam David and Dr. William Muller will investigate regeneration in the spinal cord and study the molecular basis of breast cancer development.
Research shows estrogens can act as antioxidants, protecting HDL from oxidation and enhancing its ability to shield LDL from damage. High levels of HDL also protect LDL when estrogens are present, with different estrogens displaying varying antioxidant potency.
A study of over 5,980 women aged 67 or older found that breast cancer survivors had 34% fewer hospitalizations for heart attacks than non-survivors. The protective effect increased with higher cardiac risk factors, suggesting that female hormone levels may play a role in preventing heart disease.
Research suggests a significant association between cigarette smoke exposure and lower folate levels, potentially increasing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and breast cancer. The study found that red blood cell folate levels were 20% lower in current smokers compared to nonsmokers.
A recent study found that treating heart disease patients for depression and low social support does not improve their overall survival rate. However, the treatment did lead to significant improvements in quality of life, with depressed patients experiencing a 57% reduction in depression symptoms after six months.
Diabetes self-management education is crucial for patients to make healthy decisions about meal planning and physical activity. Primary care physicians play a vital role in educating patients and addressing psychosocial impacts of diabetes, which can affect patient outcomes.
A recent study found that Asian Americans are seven times more likely to develop silent myocardial ischemia, a condition where plaque buildup restricts blood flow to the heart. Patients may experience fatigue, shortness of breath or palpitations instead of chest pain, emphasizing the need for awareness and early screenings.
Researchers at CDC found a rise in cholesterol levels among Japanese children, mirroring trends seen in Western countries. The study highlights the importance of early intervention measures to prevent heart disease and obesity.
Greek Orthodox Christians who followed a fasting regimen experienced lower cholesterol and LDL levels in their blood. Regular fasting may provide long-term protection against heart disease by increasing the HDL/LDL ratio.
Researchers highlight importance of controlling blood pressure and vascular risks in heart failure management. They propose a new classification system for heart failure stages, emphasizing the need for early intervention.
Researchers found that removing a key molecule called beta3 increased lung inflammation and clogged arteries in fat-fed mice. The study suggests that long-term suppression of this molecule may actually exacerbate heart disease.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins will pursue novel biological therapies to prevent abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death in patients recovering from heart attacks. They will also use modern imaging techniques to define the features of the heart posing the greatest risk for life-threatening arrhythmias.
Researchers at the University of Colorado have determined the molecular structure of MEF2, a protein that plays a key role in heart hypertrophy. The study reveals detailed mechanisms by which MEF2 suppresses gene expression, potentially leading to the development of new treatments for heart disease.
A new study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and found that 69% of sudden cardiac deaths in women were the first sign of heart disease. Women with smoking, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity had significantly increased risk of SCD, while high cholesterol was not associated with elevated risk.